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A well-maintained lawn is a source of pride for every homeowner. You want your lawn to look nice, so you spend hours watering. You are diligent about plucking weeds. You even invest in a soil pH test kit to make sure your soil is in tip-top shape.
But when it comes to mowing, that might seem like a heftier chore. While a riding lawn mower might seem out of your price range, a push mower takes some strength to operate. If you’re looking for a great in-between option, you should consider a self-propelled lawn mower.
What does self-propelled mean? It’s not complicated. This type of mower is one that moves without requiring you to push it, meaning you’ll save time and energy while mowing your lawn. The best rated self propelled lawn mower won’t break the bank, either – meaning it will be money well spent.
Not sure what to look for? We’ve found the best self propelled lawn mower and want to tell you about all your options in this walk behind mowers review.
Honda HRR216K9VKA 3-in-1 Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower with Auto Choke
- Two-position foam grip handle
- Auto choke
- CARB and EPA Compliant
This best rated self propelled lawn mower is one of the best of its kind. It requires no extra tools or attachments for you to get the job done, and with double blades that provide a micro-cut, it provides a super-fine finish.
The cut style produced by this Honda self-propelled mower is uniquely suited to mulching and bagging – you will be able to bag your clippings up and use them as mulch or for compost later on. It has a 12 gauge steel deck with a variable speed rating of 0 to 4 miles per hour. This kind of adjustability makes it easy for you to have a delicate control over where – and how fast – your self propelled push mower goes.
What’s even better is that this self-propelled mower comes with several safety features to make its operation a bit less stressful. It has a unique Zone Start Safety System – this kills the engine when you let go of the flywheel lever, so if you have to stop suddenly, your lawn mower won’t continue moving without you. It also has a manual fuel shut off.
What We Liked:
- Comes with a two-position foam grip handle and folding capacity for easy storage
- Auto choke
- CARB and EPA Compliant
What We Didn’t Like:
- Pull start engine with no electric start capability
Another great self propelled push mower is the Craftsman M215. This self propelled mower has a 159CC OHV gas-powered engine that comes with recoil and auto choke. You don’t have to worry about a primer or choke – all you have to do is pull the cord to start it.
Like the Honda self-propelled mower, this unit also has mulching capabilities. With a 21-inch cutting deck, it will trim grass quickly and evenly so you can make quick work of your lawn chores. It has a side and rear discharge to help reduce the likelihood of clogs,and with six different height settings, you can work with grass at any height (as well as navigate naturally uneven terrain).
What We Liked:
- Comes with an attached bagger to catch grass clippings
- Made in the USA
- Variable speed and dual lever height adjustment
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some users report that the engine cover tends to be a bit flimsy
This is another Honda self-propelled mower that you need to be aware of. It comes with variable speed with the patented Select Drive system, and it’s also easy to start the powerful GCV200 engine. What makes this mower truly unique is its 4-in-1 Versamow System. You can mulch, bag, discharge, and shred leaves all in one device.
The Honda HRX217K5VKA comes with MicroCut Twin blades and a NeXite deck, the latter of which is protected by a worry-free lifetime limited warranty. The mower itself comes with a five-year mower warranty, so you’re not putting anything at risk by investing in this handy mower.
What We Liked:
- Select Drive system allows you to adjust your mower’s speed easily from 0 to 4 mph
- Clip Director knob lets you choose how much grass is bagged or mulched – no costly attachments needed
- Rust-free, dent-proof mowing deck comes with lifetime warranty
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only offers a 20” cut
The Lawn-Boy self propelled push mower is a unique option for people who want a rear-drive system out of their mowers. This drive system offers better traction and control on hilly terrain. In addition, this self-propelled mower comes with a two-point height-of-cut system so that you can adjust cutting heights from one side of the mower. With a cutting width of 21 inches, this mower offers a great cutting pattern in any setting.
Interestingly, Lawn-Boy offers a unique guarantee known as the 3-year Tru-Start Commitment. The company guarantees that the mower will start with just one or two pulls – or Lawn-Boy will fix it at no cost to you.
What We Liked:
- 3-in-1 discharge ability lets you choose between side discharge, mulching, or bagging
- Larger bag capacity holds more clippings so you can empty the bag less often
- Tri-cut cutting system operates within a lightweight, yet durable, deck
What We Didn’t Like:
- Front axle is held in place by plastic fins that are prone to damage
This mower is the best self-propelled mulching lawn mower for a whole host of reasons. Including a 159cc Front Wheel Drive OHV engine, the Troy-Bilt TB220 is the best self-propelled lawn mower for mowing small or medium-sized lawns. It is incredibly lightweight with its 21-inch steel deck, and comes with dual-lever height adjustment to allow you to operate comfortably and efficiently.
This mower has 7×11 inch wheels so that you have the utmost control of where and how you are mowing.the cutting and mulching deck grass height settings range from 1.25 to 3.75 inches, giving you three options as to whether you want to mulch, bag, or side-discharge your clippings.
What We Liked:
- Comes with a limited two-year warranty
- Best for small or medium sized lawns
- Three options for mulching, bagging, or side discharge
What We Didn’t Like:
- Goes through oil quite quickly
Referred to colloquially as the “lawn ninja,” this mower is one of the best self-propelled lawn mowers for people who are seeking good traction and a no-nonsense starting system. It requires no priming or choking and is ready to get mowing whenever you are. .
This mower also has excellent traction, giving you great maneuverability without damaging your lawn. It has six different cutting settings that can mulch your grass as you go. It has a unique deck design that prevents clippings from blowing back onto your lawn, too.
What We Liked:
- Seven handle adjustable heights ranging from 1.25-4”
- Durable solid steel front axle
- Rear wheel drive with 3-in-1 capabilities
What We Didn’t Like:
- Pricier model not suited for smaller lawns
A self-propelling gas-powered lawn mower made by Troy-Bilt, this lawn mower is one of the top products you should consider on your hunt for the best self-propelled lawn mower. It has a motor with easy-to-start settings and four different settings for variable speed. With a 21-inch TriAction cutting system, it comes with rear wheel drive to make sure you will be able to use it in any setting.
This self propelled lawn mower is one of the easiest to start – all you have to do is pull the cord and the unit’s ReadyStart system will do the rest. It has a 1.09 uart fuel tank and heavy-duty eight-inch wheels.
What We Liked:
- Caters to multiple grass heights with six settings
- Weighs only 80 lbs
- Comes with a ReadyStart system so you can start it up and get mowing quickly
What We Didn’t Like:
- Smaller-sized wheels
This gas-powered self-propelled lawn mower offers high performance and some of the best mowing you will find. It has an impressive durable 22-inch deck and is powered by a 190cc Honda engine. It gives a great cut every time and offers variable speed control so that you can adjust and adapt this unit to meet your specific mowing needs. It also has 12-inch high rear wheels, making it easier to maneuver.
This unique mower comes with all-wheel drive- you’ll get excellent traction no matter where you go. Because it is gas-powered, it offers higher power at minimal effort on your part to operate it.
What We Liked:
- 22-inch heavy duty deck
- 12 inch tall rear wheels for extra maneuverability
- All-wheel drive ensures good traction in any conditions
What We Didn’t Like:
- Heavier model at 105 lbs
Husqvarna is clearly the name to know when it comes to the best self-propelled lawn mowers. This mower has all-wheel drive and is great for use in a variety of terrains. It has a steel 15-gauge deck that is tough and durable – you don’t have to worry about rust or dents. It offers high performance as well as a large bag to collect cuttings.
This mower is best at working on thick turf or other difficult ground. Weighing just 69 lbs, it’s easy to operate and even easier to store, offering all the latest in self-propelled mowing technology.
What We Liked:
- 21-inch width
- 15-gauge durable and dent-resistant steel deck
- All-wheel drive for easy operation in tough terrain
What We Didn’t Like:
- Does not come with mulching capabilities
This self-propelled mower has a durable 40-volt lithium-ion battery. You can charge it up and use it just as effectively as a gas-powered mower. It has rear wheel drive so you can get uphill more easily without losing traction. It has all the power and gusto of a gas mower but is also environmentally friendly – and quieter to operate too.
This mower has a 2-in-1 capacity to both mulch and bag- your lawn will get the best cut and you won’t need to leave clippings behind. It also has seven different adjustment heights for the handles, so you can operate comfortably and effectively
What We Liked:
- Lightweight at just 68 lbs
- Lithium-ion battery is environmentally friendly
- Handle has seven different adjustable heights
What We Didn’t Like:
- Cutting deck is only 20 inches
Self Propelled Lawn Mower Buyer’s Guide
Still stuck on what you should buy? Your choice of the best self-propelled lawn mower is an important decision to make, as you will likely use this machine for years to come.
A self-propelled lawn mower is not only easier to maneuver but it can come with many options. Here are the top considerations you need to make when you are shopping for the best walk behind mower for your needs.
How Do Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers Work?
There isn’t a lot of mystery behind how self-propelled lawn mowers work – they operate in a relatively straightforward fashion. These mowers have a drive system just like cars do – once you start the motor, a device squeeze an internal handle and spurs it into motion. This also influences the cutting motion for the grass.
As the operator, all you will need to do is turn the lawn mower where you need it to go, controlling its direction and speed.
Noise
Consider how your self-propelled lawn mower operates. Is it gas-powered or battery-operated? Gas-powered self-propelled mowers are more popular, but they also tend to be louder. Therefore, if you are concerned about noise, you might want to spring for a quieter self-propelled lawn mower that uses a lithium-ion battery instead.
Speed and Power
While several older self-propelled lawn mowers have just one speed, while others allow you to adjust for speed. Most allow for adjustments all the way up to 4 miles per hour. If you have a larger lawn, you might want more options for speed settings, while those with smaller lawns may find that a single-speed mower works just fine.
Weight
Since you won’t necessarily have to push it, weight might not be as important a factor to you when you are buying your machine. However, keep in mind that some self-propelled lawn mowers can be on the heavier side.
Weight might be an important determining factor in your buying process – this is particularly true if you need to move your mower often (to get it in your vehicle to move it to another site, for example).
Necessary Maintenance
Even if you don’t plan on tinkering with your self-propelled mower yourself, it’s important that you do your research ahead of time about how much maintenance the mower will require. Most self-propelled lawn mowers will require regular maintenance in the form of oil changes, cleaning, and more.
Other Bonus Features
When you’re looking for the best self propelled lawn mower, you might also want to consider the other features that come with your unit. Does it matter to you whether your mower can mulch or bag your grass clippings? If you’re planning on using your clippings as mulch or compost, this might be an important feature. Even if you simply want the clippings off your lawn so they don’t rot there, you might want to invest in a mower that has 3-in-1 capabilities to suit this need.
Some mowers come with additional safety features, too, like auto shut-off that power down the device if you let go of the handle. This is a good feature to have, as self-propelled mowers are responsible for quite a few emergency room visits each year. Others come with fuel shut-off in case of a fire.
What is the Best Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower?
Of all the mowers we reviewed, nothing quite comes close to the Honda HRR216K9VKA. While most of these mowers have a smooth design and features to make operation more seamless, the Honda HRR216K9VKA is a cut above the rest. It is versatile and easy to handle, and comes at an affordable price that makes owning it not only possible – but practical.
Recap
Before you take the leap and purchase your first lawn mower, consider what your goals are. How big is your lawn? How quickly – and how often – do you need it mowed? While there are great inexpensive self-propelled mowers for people who want to cut their small lawns on a regular basis, there are other heavier-duty options that are ideal for large or difficult terrain.
Take these factors into consideration, and it won’t be long before you find the best self-propelled lawn mower to suit your needs.
A zero turn lawn mower isn’t like most types of mowers. In fact, it was not originally created for residential use. They were first developed for industrial use so they could efficiently cut large areas of grass without taking a lot of time. Eventually, homeowners began seeing the potential in making these same devices available for their needs.